To ask those that have been diagnosed with anxiety…..

Are you on any medication and if so, has it helped? Any horrible/negative side effects?

Sorry, posting in here for traffic more than anything. For years I think I have been struggling with anxiety. I am constantly stressed, worried and anxious. Lately (due to work troubles) this has gotten worse and I nearly always have a churning in my stomach and get heart palpitations.

I over analyse everything and every situation, I worry people dislike me or are in a mood with me all the time (I don’t think they do or are but it is something I worry and am paranoid about every day) I worry about my family and partner dying A LOT. I worry about money, my health…just about everything.

For the past few months I have been having real trouble sleeping…I just CAN’T switch my mind off. I’ve tried so many things herbal teas, herbal tablets, liquid stuff, meditation, not looking at my phone an hour before bed, relaxing music etc. None of it has worked.

I’m wondering whether I am suffering from anxiety and whether going to the Drs and getting some medication may help? It would be reluctant as I really dislike the thought of it, but I am fed up of feeling this way and I really need to start getting some sleep!

I didn't have medication for my anxiety, my gp sent me for CBT. It taught me coping techniques, and although I'm not 100%, I'm a lot better than I was before. for you, I know how horrible and draining it can be.

Do you know what is the source of your anxiety ?Have you tried any talking or behavioural therapy?I think it's fine to take medication though if you need it. It helps lots of people Anxiety is the pits and it feeds itself

I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling.I was diagnoses with agrophobia and stress anxiety in 2013 and eventually went on propanalol along with 3 bp medications (although my bp was slightly better with the propanalol anyway.) I felt as though the tablets were the only thing stopping me from quitting my job and my life got a lot easier with the tablets, although I still had some anxiety, I put my ability to cope with situations and to get some sleep at night, down to my medication. After a couple of years I was a lot better and wanted to have 2nd child (age gap was 7 yrs by then) so they dealt with my meds first; my bp meds were changed and they took me off propanalol too. They suggested that I try CBT instead. I was sceptical to say the least. The baby was delivered at 33 weeks as my bp couldn't be controlled by pregnancy safe medications at all. It was actually CBT that got me through that time rather than medication. I've found it quite useful and I still refer to my sheets now that I've returned to work pt (baby is 9mo now). One of the drs at the hospital saw it in my notes and told me that she had had cbt too, and from my GP, to consultants I've found that many medical professionals have a very good working knowledge (and sometimes personal experience of) anxiety and can be very understanding. I was given a lot of options (esp pre-pregnancy) to try, from meds to counselling to cognitive behavioural therapy. I chose medication at first and think it was probably the right way for me to go at that time, but in the end it was cbt that did the most for me. I think the first thing to do is to have a frank conversation with your GP, it's important to be open about how you're feeling, and not sleeping etc, and to be open to trying more than one approach. I hope that things get better for you.

I take anxiety meds. Ive taken sertraline, fluextine, on citalopram now and was on mirtazapine. I slept well on mirtazapine, however it may be the reason i've put some weight on. Think i'd take the weight those as i'd finally slept after years of not sleeping.I've been on medication since i were 16 and im in my 30's. It keeps me sane.

I took citalopram for 2 years after coming close to a breakdown. It saved me. Don't ever be ashamed of taking medication, it helped the fog to clear for me. I've been off it a few months now and am coping though have had a few wobbles. I just take one day at a time.

The only medication that makes a real difference on my anxiety has been diazepam. I was on it for a couple of years when I was younger, and coming off was difficult, and these days no one wants to prescribe it, as it's so addictive.

I'm on fluoxetine for depression/anxiety/bulimia, but not sure if it's made any difference. Psychotherapy and counselling have definitely been the way to go for me.

Hi op the meds the GP gave me were way to strong do I stopped them. I did a lot of self help stuff, mediation at night time and times when I was bad with it, exercise really helped for a quick fix if I felt like my heart was going to bang out of my chest - I'd fast walk it off. its a work in progress. But I'm glad I don't need the tabs and I can calm myself down now (mostly)

Did therapy but it wasn't for me.

I started reading 'boot camp for Buddhism' (I think) and stuff like that. Learned how to properly meditate

These things helped me - where as a friend of mine started taking meds, it was s bit trial and error getting the strength right but they really helped her too.

There are many avenues op you just need to start the process of finding the right one!

I was given Citalopram and did a course of CBT. The Citalopram seemed to cause weight gain - at least I gained 1.5 stone within 6 months of starting it, so I stopped taking it. I didn't find the CBT useful really.

I'm really anxious at the moment, I think it is getting worse, but I cannot bring myself to start the meds again as I am so paranoid about weight gain. GP said it was "unlikely" that the weight gain was caused by the meds, but I am having real trouble losing it while not on them, I cannot bear the thought of gaining even more

I got some medication to take as and when it became intolerable, but what actually helped, and what has to be honest changed my life for the better was CBT. I was referred by the GP, and it took place over a number of weeks in group sessions. The great thing about groups was that I could contribute or not depending on how I was feeling, but got to learn regardless. It was brilliant.

I have severe anxiety but have never had meds for that specifically. Mostly the meds were to treat my depression (resulting from anxiety). But a lot of ADs are also used in the treatment of anxiety.

Most are fine but amotriptaline was awful. I spent the whole time with horrifically dry mouth, and in spite of it being a sedative I couldn't fall asleep on it and when I did sleep I would wake up feeling like I had the biggest hangover ever.

I had pnd with key symptoms of insomnia and anxiety. The lack of sleep made the anxiety worse and the anxiety made it hard to sleep. It was a vicious circle. I took dosulepin (an older style sedating ad) at night alongside cbt and that really helped. I tried lots of over the counter and natural remedies (yoga, meditating, exercise, homeopathy) alongside the cbt but only the ad's really sorted it out. No major side effects (slight weight gain and dry mouth to start with). Tapering off has been easy with no rebound insomnia. They helped me turn my life around and get back to normal and enjoy my family.

I'm on amitriptyline. It has been a wonder drug for me. My anxiety wakes me up at 3am and I can't get back to sleep but this drug helps me stay asleep all night. I haven't had any side effects at all, but I am only on 10mg. The Dr said not to come off it cold turkey, but very gradually. She said I can stay on it as long as I need to.

No I don't take any because I get anxiety about taking anxiety meds I've just learnt to cope with it. Found things that boost my confidence. I do admit to using my toddler as a bit of a security blanket though which I should probably get some help with.